World Cup fixtures announced

10 January 2007 20:32pm

England will launch their World Cup defence later this year with a Saturday tea-time kick-off against the USA in Lens.

Tournament organisers have announced the kick-off times for all 48 games, which see the opening fixture between France and Argentina on September 7 and the World Cup final on October 20 both starting in Paris at 8pm UK time.

England's Pool A opener has a 5pm start on September 8, followed by clashes with South Africa (8pm), Samoa (3pm) and a qualifier (8pm).

Three of Wales' four Pool B games are scheduled for early or late afternoon kick-offs, including their pivotal Pool B encounter against 2003 World Cup runners-up Australia in Cardiff.

Ireland, meanwhile, play their opening three Pool D fixtures at night, before facing a potential quarter-final decider against Argentina in Paris on September 30 at 4pm, and Scotland's Murrayfield clash against tournament favourites New Zealand will start at 4pm on September 23.